I offer Certified translations | English-German-Spanish services in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma and other cities like Madrid, London, Manchester, Liverpool, etc. When we want to move to another country, do business abroad or simply travel, we often come across certified translations, sworn translations or so-called official translations.
However, not all countries have the same requirements for official translations or certified translations. I can advise you on the requirements depending on the country for which you need your official translation, for example, for Spain, Germany or any country in the UK.
In case you need a certified translation or an official translation from English, German or Spanish you can contact me. I will be happy to help you.
A certified translation, also known as a sworn translation or official translation, is a translation that is carried out by an official and professional translator. It must also meet certain requirements in order to be valid. Their main function is that the translator certifies that the translation is a faithful reproduction of the original text. They are also signed and stamped by the translator.
Sworn translations are usually required for procedures with the authorities, applying for jobs, applying for bank loans, recognition of academic qualifications, civil registry procedures, etc.
Some of the documents that require a certified translation are: birth certificates, marriage certificates, driving licences, passports, identity documents, university degrees, diplomas, death certificates, contracts, judgments, etc.
Certified translation is a term used in common law countries. For example, the different countries belonging to the United Kingdom.
This is due to the fact that common law does not contemplate the figure of the sworn translator but that of the certified translator or certified translation.
However, just like the sworn translation understood by countries such as Germany or Spain, it must also comply with a series of very strict requirements and not all translators can issue a certified translation.
Sworn translations are recognised in Germany and Spain. In both countries, as in the case of certified translations, a series of requirements must be met in order for the translations to be valid. In this case, the relevant institutions in each country establish the requirements for the translations to be valid when dealing with the public authorities.
It is also the relevant institutions that set the requirements for the appointment of a sworn translator. In Germany, for example, it is the courts (Landgericht or Oberlandesgericht) of each federal state who are responsible for appointing the translator as a sworn translator. In Spain, on the other hand, this role is carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As mentioned above, in common law there is no such thing as a sworn translation, but there is such a thing as a certified translation.
In the United Kingdom, for example, only translators who are members of one of the institutions authorised to carry out certified translations can certify their translations. These institutions are CIOL or ITI.
For a certified English translation to be valid, it must meet certain requirements:
Spain and Germany share the same concept for sworn translations. Thus, each country has its own requirements for appointing sworn translators.
In Spain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation is responsible for appointing translators as sworn translators. In order to obtain the stamp, translators must pass tests organised by the Ministry from time to time. They also establish a series of requirements for sworn translations to be valid, such as that they be accompanied by the translator’s signature, dated and stamped, or a specific certification.
In Germany, on the other hand, the courts of each federal state are responsible for appointing translators as sworn translators. In Germany, depending on the state and the appointment, there are: beedigte Dolmetscher und Übersetzer, ermächtigte Übersetzer, vereidigter Übersetzer, among others. As in Spain or in the United Kingdom, the courts establish a series of requirements for the sworn translation to be valid.
You need to send me the documents by e-mail so that I can prepare a quotation and give you a concrete deadline.
You can send the documents to info@paulajorge-traducciones.com.
As a general rule, original documents are not usually necessary. A scanned copy of the original documents is sufficient. However, there are some cases, such as homologations in foreign countries, in which the translation must be based on certified copies of the original documents or of the original documents themselves.
If you have any doubts about this, please contact me directly and I will be able to help you.
Furthermore, in most cases of certified translations from English and Spanish, a paper translation is not necessary. A .PDF version of the translation signed, dated and stamped by the translator is sufficient.
The quote for certified translations, official translations or sworn translations always varies depending on the format, length, complexity, terminology, format, etc. of the document.
In fact, depending on the document, I establish an estimate per line, per hour of work, per word or per standard or minimum rate.
There are two options for receiving the translation:
Both translations will meet the requirements (stamp, signature, translator’s details, language combination, certification, date, etc.). However, depending on the procedure you need to carry out, the translation may be requested in one way or another. You can always comment on this when requesting a quote and ask for the form of translation that suits you best. Of course, you can also request both translations.
In Spain, for example, the use of digital signatures for translations is more widespread than in Germany. Spanish public authorities often accept the digital version of translations, whereas in Germany they often ask for the paper version of the translation.
In the UK, for example, the digital version is also generally accepted, although in some procedures (e.g. civil registry procedures) a paper translation may be required.
The deadline always depends on the length of the documents to be translated and also on the translator’s workload at the time.
I always try to adjust to the needs of my clients, so don’t forget to add the date by which you need the translation in your request for a quote.
In case you need a translation from German or English to Spanish or you need an interpreter to accompany you to an appointment, I am here.
